You always hear from your dentist all of the foods and drinks you shouldn’t eat – candy, soda, coffee, and sugary cereals – but have they ever told you what foods help keep your teeth strong and healthy? Here is a list of snacks that has your dentist’s stamp of approval. These foods will be sure to keep your teeth looking and feeling their best. Healthy Foods Mean Healthy Teeth

• Milk – Whether you have heard it from your parents or your doctor, drinking milk has proven to make your bones strong – and it’s no different when it comes to your teeth. The calcium in milk strengthens your teeth’s enamel, making your teeth strong enough to prevent cavities from forming.
• Cheese – Similar to milk, cheese has nonacidic nutrients such as calcium that help build stronger teeth. In fact, studies with Dutch Edam cheese showed that “children ages 7 to 9 who ate a 5-gram cube after breakfast each day for two years had significantly fewer cavities than other children.”
• Fruits & Veggies – Fruits and vegetables that are especially crunchy (e.g. melons, pineapples, celery, and carrots), create good saliva flow through your mouth. The saliva flow protects your teeth from acid exposure, which in turn helps safeguard your teeth from deterioration.

• Yogurt – Believe it or not, most dental problems are caused by bacteria or germs living in your mouth. To help repopulate your mouth with healthy bacteria, eat a yogurt or two every day. Yogurt contains both protein and probiotics and will make your mouth a healthier environment for your teeth to live in.
• Raisins – Raisins are high in fiber and contain a phytochemical called oleanolic acid that acts as an antibacterial against certain plaque bacteria. Because raisins are acidic, it’s important to consume them after, or along with, acidic fighting foods like milk or yogurt.
• Nuts – A variety of nuts, including peanuts, almonds, cashews, and walnuts, contain a diverse group of vitamins and minerals that are healthy for your teeth. Nuts are a great snack to pack while on the go, and are a much better alternative to M&Ms or Cheeze Its.

Healthy Teeth Mean Happy Dentists Healthy smiles make dentists happy, especially here at Sunrise Dental. We love seeing strong and bright toothy smiles in our dental office.  Make your next teeth cleaning appointment today by calling 919-878-0055 for Raleigh, 919-929-3996 for Chapel Hill, and 919-493-3355 for Durham – or schedule online!